Prostate Specific Antigen, Ultrasensitive
Also known as: PSA ULTRA
Use
This test is primarily used to monitor prostate cancer in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy. It is designed to detect very low levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) that may indicate residual disease or recurrence. It is not recommended for initial prostate cancer screening; for that purpose, the Prostate Specific Antigen, Total test - in conjunction with a digital rectal exam - is preferred. Elevated PSA levels can also occur due to benign prostatic hyperplasia or inflammatory conditions of the prostate and are generally not elevated in healthy individuals or those with non-prostatic carcinoma.
Special Instructions
This test is approved for use as an aid in the detection of prostate cancer when used with a digital rectal exam for individuals with a prostate aged 50 and older. Please ensure specimens are separated from cells within 2 hours of collection and transferred to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.
Limitations
PSA concentrations obtained with different test methods or kits cannot be interchangeably used. The test detects PSA concentrations but, elevated levels alone can only suggest the presence of prostate cancer; a biopsy is required for confirmation of prostate cancer. Lower limits of detection are down to 0.01 ng/mL, and the reference interval after radical prostatectomy should ideally be less than 0.05 ng/mL if no residual disease is present.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 35741-8
Result Turnaround Time
0-1 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Use Serum Separator Tube (SST). Other acceptable containers include Green (lithium heparin), Lavender (K2EDTA), or Pink (K2EDTA). Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection.
Storage Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells and freeze.
Causes for Rejection
Grossly hemolyzed specimens, vaginal washings.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 5 days |
| Frozen | 6 months |